Our system, both here in Ohio and nationally, is experiencing change. The expectations of and for individuals with developmental disabilities rightfully is increasing, and individuals want to more fully participate in their communities. Also, outside forces are causing us to look at how services are offered, including new federal regulations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Our system must evolve to respond to these needs, and that leads to a significant amount of change.

A new tool has been developed to help you better understand these changes. Direct Line is a series of updates that will offer an overview on a specific topic, and connect you with more information. Some will focus on a high-level topic, and others will go into details on a specific component of a change. The first three issues of Direct Line are included in this email.

Watch for more issues of Direct Line to learn more about the changes taking place in our system. New issues will be sent via email, and all issues will be available on DODD.Ohio.gov. If there is a specific topic you would like us to cover in future issues of Direct Line, please email kerry.francis@dodd.ohio.gov.

Change can be unsettling, but understanding what is changing and why, and how changes may or may not affect you, can help you prepare for and take advantage of what lies ahead. I hope you find Direct Line useful in understanding how our system is evolving.

The Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities currently has an opening for Habilitation Specialist at PersonnelPlus

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from accredited college/ university in Special Education or related field. Meet requirements to obtain DODD “professional” certification.

Must have strong structural skills to organize information logically; problem solve and relate effectively to people.

Ability to work with a variety of professionals; communicate effectively both verbally and written.

Knowledge of DODD rules and regulations; Board policies and procedures; CARF and other regulations as appropriate.*

Valid Ohio driver’s license and able to drive for work related situations.

Able to work flexible schedule to meet needs of individuals. Must be able to lift, carry and move up to 50 lbs. using appropriate transfer techniques.

Will be required to successfully complete training modules in delegated nursing tasks.

*Obtain after hire.

Duties: Assist individuals in identifying choices, preferences, and strengths through utilization and facilitation of a person centered planning and functional assessment process. Assist individuals and their families in identifying personal, vocational and habilitation goals and services, supports, and training relevant to the attainment of those goals through the ISP process. Provide documentation of as required by DODD Rules, Medicaid Rules, CARF Standards, and other requirements.

Coordinate and monitor the delivery of day habilitation and supported employment services to the ISP team members. Utilize formal and informal mechanisms to assess individual satisfaction with the results of services, supports, and training.

Coordinate and document scheduled Pre-ISP meetings for day habilitation and supported employment services. Submit the ISP and written reviews of the ISP to appropriate service providers and to others selected by the individual. Collect relevant data, prepare reports, correspondence, and documentation as required by procedure. Act as a liaison between the individual’s home and other natural support systems and the Adult Service Program. Make service referrals, identify and utilize natural and community supports. Assist in the development of natural support systems when necessary, based on the Individual Service Plan.

Documentation by both written and electronic forms.

Provide supervision, training, support, and informal counseling as specified in the individual’s ISP. Implement procedures to fulfill ISP day habilitation goals/objectives and evaluate effectiveness. May be required to provide assistance with personal needs such as toileting and feeding.

Monitor maintenance of case records. Assist in selection of education and training materials, supplies, and equipment relevant to ISP services, supports, and training.

Perform other related duties as assigned such as membership on various standing committees and performance of certain first aid and delegated nursing tasks. Represent agency on committees and at meetings.

Wage: Per adopted salary schedule

Status: ABEA Union

Benefits: Health, Vision, Dental, and Life Insurances and Sick, Vacation, and Personal Leaves

Internship sites, previously known as Job Samplings, are an excellent way for businesses to receive short-term help while enabling our staff to evaluate the strengths and abilities of the individuals we serve.

During the Internship, PersonnelPlus pays for the Job Trainer, pays the individual’s wage and provide Worker’s Compensation. This is a FREE service to the business with no obligation to hire and a professional Job Trainer supervises the Intern the entire Internship.

The Duration of an Internship can vary from person to person. They can be three weeks, one week, three days or even two hours. Internship schedules are based on the needs and availability of the business.

If you or your business would be interested or would like more information, please contact Internship Coordinator Julie Jones at 740-592-3416.

You are invited to come join us for the 2015 Disabilities Awareness Festival, March 11, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Athens Community Center, 701 East State Street, Athens, Ohio.

We would also like to invite you(r) organization or business to set up a free table display or activitiy at this event or to be part of the formal presentation. There is a five minute limit so we can accommodate all within the allotted time.

The Sugar Bowl bound Ohio State University Buckeyes are looking to bring home a big win in the New Year!

Show your support and love for the Buckeyes year round with an OSU Passion Flower!

The Official Ohio State University Buckeye Passion Flower is made from recycled aluminum printing plates from our local newspaper. Every flower is hand-painted by Passion Works Studio artists and is as unique as the people who make them!